RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. - Augusta James shot a 71 in the second round of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage I on Wednesday and is on pace to advance one step closer to the pro tour.

James was 1-under on Wednesday after shooting a 74 in the first round on Tuesday. She jumped from 65th to 24 in the overall standings. The top 60 players advance to Stage II of the qualifying school. She is two shots ahead of the cutoff.

Also representing NC State are former players Ana Menendez and Brooke Baker. Menendez is 5-over after shooting rounds of 71 and 78, respectively. She is tied for 78th and is two shots behind the cutoff mark. Baker (+14) carded rounds of 81 and 77 and is tied for 218th.

The LPGA Qualifying Tournament Stage I continues Thursday and Friday at Mission Hills Country Club.